Team News

Liberty Defeats William & Mary for First Win of the Season

Liberty did not disappoint in its home opener, scoring four goals to defeat William & Mary 4-2 Thursday night at Osborne Stadium. With the victory, Liberty improves to 1-2-0 on the season while William & Mary drops to 1-2-0.

Before Liberty's contest began against the Tribe, Liberty head coach Lang Wedemeyer was surprised with an honor as he was inducted into the Patrick Henry High School Hall of Fame.

Scoring Summary

44' – LIBERTY – Kailey Neef (Assist by Nicole Crutchfield)

50' – LIBERTY – Own Goal

52' – LIBERTY – Gabrielle Farrell (Assist by Kasey Jamieson)

70' – LIBERTY – Zoe Gaffney (Assists by Elisa Warren and Kailey Neef)

75' – W&M – Alex Kuhnle (Assist by Renee Kohler)

89' – W&M – Kayleigh Shackford (Assist by Renee Kohler)

Turning Point

Liberty turned up the heat on offense for 26 minutes that proved to be the difference maker in the game. From the 44th minute at the end of the first half until the 70th minute in the second half, Liberty scored four goals by three different players. Kailey Neef was a difference maker in those 26 minutes as she led the Lady Flames with three points on the night scoring a goal along with an assist. As Liberty controlled possession for 57% of the game, the Lady Flames made the most of their scoring opportunities despite attempting the same number of shots (15) as William & Mary.

Key Stats & Notes

Kailey Neef tallied a game-high three points on the night with a goal and an assist.

Neef's goal in the 44th minute was her first career goal at Liberty.

Nicole Crutchfield recorded her first point as a Lady Flame with an assist, after transferring from North Carolina.

Liberty maintained possession for 57% of the game.

Melody Jayroe came up with seven saves on the night.

Four goals was the most in a game since 2018's season opener against Elon (Liberty lost 4-5).

Gabrielle Farrell recorded her 15th career goal and first of the season.

Thoughts from Head Coach Lang Wedemeyer

"I think we learned a lot from last week, playing against two quality opponents in Virginia and Virginia Tech. The ladies have been working so hard in practice and to see their work turn into a big result is very rewarding. I am very proud of them."

Up Next

Liberty will close its first week at home within another in-state opponent in Old Dominion. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1, at Osborne Stadium.

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